Memorable Radio Pageant

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 30, 10 February 1928, Unnumbered Page

Memorable Radio Pageant

One Thousand Years of Maori Life Portrayed im Speech, Song and Story Px aT TRS ATT oe

Successful Reception of Brilliant Programme all over New Zealand----Re-Broadcast Undertaken by Australian Stations

OR this memorable evening 2YA . went on the air at five minutes to eight with that majestic introduction to all outstanding events: ¢ "Oh, God, our help in ages past" played in four parts on the vibraphone. Upon the first stroke of 8 o’clock the orchestra swung in with the overture "First Movement from Maori Quartette." A novelty was introduced with this introduction in that the music was faded in as the hour struck, and reached its full strength as the last stroke of 8 sounded out, At the normal conclusion of the overture the orchestra repeated pianissimo part of the overture and gradually faded out, the initial effect of these movements being yery impressive.

"THEN in measured tones the Station Announcer indicated the scope of the even. ing’s programme-how to commemorate the signing of the Treaty there would be portrayed the history of the Maori through various phases from his first landing on these shores to his present honourable co-partnership with the white race in the occupancy of this land; how in recognition of the important historical nature of the occasion, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and the Hon, Sir Maui Pomare, representative of the Maori race in the Ministry, would speak fittingly and to the point; how, from Sir Aparina T. Ngata’s epic poem "Scenes from the _ Past" excerpts would be delivered to place before the vast unseen audience living pages of the past, {Continued on back page).

Radio history was established for New Zealand by 2 the outstandingly successful Maori pageant broadcast ° on Monday evening in commemoration of the eighty- $ eighth anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Wai- 2 tangi. It was a brilliant idea to commemorate the occa- ° sion by a function which portrayed to the pakeha 2 population of New Zealand a kaleidoscopic view of the % advent and life of the Maori race in the Dominion. That ° history was conveyed in six phases, the essence of each ¢ being given with memorable items in speech, song, and ¢ story. Congratulations of the heartiest nature only can be extended to the management responsible for the con- ° ception, and to the performers whose interpretation conveyed to listeners, in most picturesque and melodious 3 fashion, the romantic history of the past thousand $ years. . The success of Monday evening’s broadcast was a $ good augury for a similar success on Tuesday evening, when the programme was repeated at a late hour especi- 2 ally for the entertainment of New Zealand’s overseas ° dependencies and the Australian Commonwealth. A re- 3 broadcast of the full programme was undertaken by 2F'C, Sydney (and possibly other Australian stations), : and, although at the time of writing no information is available as to its success, it may fittingly be hoped that % conditions were favourable, and that listeners in Australia were able to enjoy so unique a vocal contact with this Dominion and its unique and distinctive Native life.

LATER on, itt New Zealand, it will be found necessary to institute some system of examination for radioservice men, who will then have to possess a certificate of competency before being allowed to follow their calling. While many New Zealand radiotricians are turning ont work equal to any of that im imported sets, the fact remains that there are some jobs seen from time to time which are a positive disgrace. Good sets are also sometimes badly messed up after being , | | | through the hands of some folk.

| In future the license fee ta be paid by Anstralian. listeners will be 24s. a year, instead of 27s. 6d. as in the past years. The rado trade is anticipating the reduction will give an impetus to the purchase of receiving sets. The | hstening license now costs less than ha penny aday, Tor that amount radio gives pleasure to the whole household almost continuonsly from 7 a.m. to /midnight. It is said the value of radio in rural parts is heconiing more appreciated as time passes. ,